Manali Tourism, Manali Travel Guide, Manali Tours

Manali is a small hill station, nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. This hill station is situated about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla at an altitude of 2,050 m in the Beas River Valley. It is a small town which is administratively connected to the Kullu district. Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti; Rohtang Pass is very much popular among tourists. Manali is famous for its snow-covered peaks, vibrant gardens and plantations and the raving rivers. Manali is the prime attraction for the tourists who want to visit the Himalayas; it attracts tourists in summer for its pleasant climate and in winter for its magical snow covered mountains.

Manali is a beautiful place that offers all kind of enjoyment to tourists; the scenery of this place is breath taking. Tourists can enjoy an amazing view of the distinct snow covered peaks and the flowing water of the Beas River at the one end of the town and orchards, deodar and pine trees at the other end of this hill station. Manali is also visited by tourists for adventurous activities like Paragliding, Skiing, River Rafting, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Trekking and lots of more. There are many places to visit in and around Manali.

History of Manali is steeped more in myth. Existence of Manali can be traced back to the era of Mahabharata. The name of the city ‘Manali’ is believed to be named after ‘Manu’. Originally, it was "Manu-Alaya" which literally means "the abode of Manu". As per hindu mythology, Manali is the place where Manu and others were given shelter by the 7th avtar of Lord Vishnu after the great flood deluged on the earth. There is an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu in old Manali village.

In ancient times, the valley was populated by nomadic hunters known as 'rakshas'. After them, shepherds were arrived from the Kangra Valley and settled in Manali to take up agriculture. But the modern history of Manali begins with the arrival of British. The British introduced apple trees and trout in Manali. It is said that when apple trees were first planted the fruits were so plentiful that the branches of trees would collapse due to overweight. From that day, apple remains the best source of income of the residents of Manali. Rise of militancy in Kashmir diverts the tourism towards Manali because of its natural beauty and Manali became a great tourist spot.